HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Even though he is president of the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees by virtue of his office, Gov. Robert Bentley on Friday made a rare appearance to preside over a meeting.

"He stays in touch and is really interested in what we've got going on, in particular coming to this meeting and getting briefed on things happening at UAH," said Paul Bryant Jr., who typically presides over meetings as the board's president pro tem. "He has a standing invitation to any of our meetings."

As part of the annual trustee meeting at UAH, Bentley saw the school's institutional presentation to the board - which highlights past accomplishments and ambitions for the future.